The latest batch of young men to be "called up" as National Servicemen are a screwy bunch indeed. Among them are Charlie Sage (Bob Monkhouse), a newlywed who never gets to consummate his marriage, Peter Golightly (Charles Hawtrey), a bumbling milquetoast, neurotic hypochondriac Horace Strong (Kenneth Connor), and the mouthy James Bailey (Kenneth Williams). Their sergeant will be a man named Grimshawe (William Hartnell), who hopes against hope that these screw-ups will get their act together when it really counts.
Scripted by Norman Hudis, based on a novel by R.F. Delderfield, "Carry On Sergeant" gave rise to a very successful British comedy film series that included several sequels. It was never intended to start a franchise, but it did so well that more movies beginning with the phrase "carry on" were inevitable. It's plenty predictable, but comfortably so, crafting a formula right from the start. You never have much doubt as to where things will head. Still, getting there offers a decent amount of fun. It might be too restrained, and not hilarious enough, for some tastes, but it's certain to create some genuine smiles if not a lot of belly laughs.
Director Gerald Thomas lets the personalities of his actors & characters drive the material forward. Hartnell is rock solid as the sergeant, and receives strong support from his engaging supporting players. Monkhouse is a hoot as the man eager to have some alone time with his bride (gorgeous Shirley Eaton), but some viewers may find the Horace character a little hard to take. Eric Barker (as Captain Potts), Dora Bryan (as Norah), Bill Owen (as Corporal Copping), Terence Longdon (as Private Heywood), Norman Rossington (as Herbert Brown), and Hattie Jacques (as Captain Clark) are all entertaining to watch.
Followed a year later by "Carry On Nurse".
Seven out of 10.
Scripted by Norman Hudis, based on a novel by R.F. Delderfield, "Carry On Sergeant" gave rise to a very successful British comedy film series that included several sequels. It was never intended to start a franchise, but it did so well that more movies beginning with the phrase "carry on" were inevitable. It's plenty predictable, but comfortably so, crafting a formula right from the start. You never have much doubt as to where things will head. Still, getting there offers a decent amount of fun. It might be too restrained, and not hilarious enough, for some tastes, but it's certain to create some genuine smiles if not a lot of belly laughs.
Director Gerald Thomas lets the personalities of his actors & characters drive the material forward. Hartnell is rock solid as the sergeant, and receives strong support from his engaging supporting players. Monkhouse is a hoot as the man eager to have some alone time with his bride (gorgeous Shirley Eaton), but some viewers may find the Horace character a little hard to take. Eric Barker (as Captain Potts), Dora Bryan (as Norah), Bill Owen (as Corporal Copping), Terence Longdon (as Private Heywood), Norman Rossington (as Herbert Brown), and Hattie Jacques (as Captain Clark) are all entertaining to watch.
Followed a year later by "Carry On Nurse".
Seven out of 10.